We are heading quickly towards the end of term 1 and I am very pleased with how 2019 has begun.  We have a wonderful and curious group of new Year 8's who are transitioning well into secondary school-life. Their approach to learning and commitment to our school values has been fantastic. The Year 8 camp is always a great way for staff and students to get to know each other and I was pleased to receive such positive feedback from the camp teachers.

We are all working extremely hard through our improvement journey here at Renmark High School, settling into our new STEM and Art spaces where the fresh, modern environment supports powerful learning. This is an ongoing focus for the school and we are excited with the new changes we are seeing now, and the ones still in the planning stages. 

Last Friday was the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) and a good chance to remind our school community that bullying is not OK.  If students or parents are aware of bullying occurring at RHS we ask you to make a stand and report this behaviour as it is not acceptable. All students have a fundamental right to learn in an inclusive, safe, supportive environment and to be treated with respect. Research shows that safe, supportive and respectful learning environments have many positive impacts for students, including improved academic outcomes, increased confidence and improved attendance. Throughout the year we hold events and initiatives that support inclusion and diversity including Harmony Day, NDA, NAIDOC week, RU OK Day, Christmas, Easter, and Wear it Purple Day.  Our most recent activities have been around Harmony Day where across the school, particularly in the Beyond Tomorrow program, we have been discussing what Harmony Day means to us.  This culminates in week 8 with our Harmony Day assembly.  During this assembly I was moved by our student speakers who gave a prepared speech about all the wonderful opportunities living in Australia has provided for them and their families. There were strong recurring themes that included how welcome they were made to feel by their new friends who introduced them to many new ‘Aussie’ experiences. I was very impressed by their passion to encourage all students to make the most of their opportunities in life including their education and I have included an exerpt from Abbas Qambari below.

" In this country I am surrounded by lovely people welcoming me into this community and accepting me and my family. You guys are very lucky to be living in a country like Australia. There are a lot of people overseas who would like to study more but don't have the facilites. They dont have the opportunity that you guys have." Abbas Qambari.

Next week we begin our Parent Teacher Interview evenings and already have an impressive number of bookings with our teachers. I really encourage all parents to book their spots in soon to have those important conversations with your child’s teachers. The benefits have been highlighted in this week’s eNewlsetter.

I hope to see many of you supporting our team at the Interschool Athletics at Glossop High School next week and I wish the team all the best for their success.

Mat Evans - Principal

Your personal invitation to meet with your child's teacher.

As a parent or caregiver, your attitude, values and behaviours are important influences on your child’s learning, development and educational outcomes.

When you are positively engaged in your child’s education, your child is more likely to do better and stay in school longer. 

To support your engagement we invite you to a valuable opportunity to discuss your students’ progress to date and to set goals aimed at maximising learning in the subject for the remainder of the year. 

Discussions between parents, teachers and students enable us to get a shared understanding of your child’s learning and achievement and how they can increase their success.

Who:

We strongly encourage all parents/caregivers to attend an interview to discuss their students’ progress. It is important that students also attend these interviews with you.

When:

• Thursday 4^th April 2:50-5:50pm
• Tuesday 9^th April 3:50-6:50pm

What:

Interviews last for 10 minutes. If you require a longer time please book a double interview time or negotiate an alternative time directly with the teacher.

 How:

You are able to make bookings online. To do this please go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and follow these simple instructions:

• Simply enter the code shhhb and press "Go"
• Enter your details
• Select the teachers you wish to see
• Select the appointment times that suit your family best
• When you click FINISH, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically. If you do not receive your email immediately – Check your junk mail folder AND make sure you have spelled your email address correctly

You may also book by phoning the front office between 8:30am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

We are looking forward to speaking with you, so that we can work together to improve your child’s learning opportunities.

Please contact Stacey in Reception on 8586 6974 if you have any questions.

Year 9 HASS classes are currently investigating the reasons why the First World War started and the impact and implications of trench warfare. Mr Files' HASS class built realistic trench systems as part of an assessment task and answered questions on how trench warfare worked. Next the Year 9 students will be investigating the Gallipoli Campaign.  

Riverland High Schools took out the SA Junior Cricket Program of the Year at the SACA Community Cricket Awards for the introduction of last year's carnival held in Renmark. Congratulations to all of the girls that got involved that day. We look forwarded to more involvement in the future.

Renmark High School students celebrated Harmony Day by undertaking a variety of activities ranging from studying the symbolism of body art from a variety of cultures, through to preparing and cooking food from countries around the world. SRC students shared their Harmony Day activities with the whole school.

A whole school assembly occurred in order to celebrate Harmony Day. Lachlan officially opened the assembly with a Welcome to Country. A minute of respect took place in silence for those who perished in Christchurch. Harshdeep shared her personal story regarding migrating to Australia and provided students with a deep insight into the learning opportunities she has appreciated and benefited from. ‘In Australia you have the opportunity to make your own choices. You can be whatever you want to be… you can study and work… something I could never have imagined.’

Mrs Elliott discussed the significance of Harmony Day and stressed the intended message of this important event, ‘We all belong.’ She also shared some interesting facts about how multicultural Renmark High School is. School leaders Abbas and Christie ran a flag simulation activity to visually demonstrate just how multicultural our school community is. Students stood together with pride while flags flew high.

Mr. Evans discussed the ways students at Renmark High School demonstrate actions of care, strong relationships and inclusivity on a daily basis. Mr. Evans outlined the pride he has in all of the students who attend Renmark High School. Allan Maddocks, President of the Lions Club, presented Serhat with a certificate for his outstanding achievements in the Lions Youth of the Year Competition. Mr Maddocks was amazed by the effort that Renmark High School went to in order to celebrate Harmony Day, commenting, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect this.’

Mrs. Elliott closed the assembly with a quote from the Dalai Lama, ‘When you talk you are only repeating what you already know. But, if you listen you might learn something new.’ Students were urged to consider this during their daily interactions.

Finally, students were to embark on an activity that once again depicted unity. The entire school cohort were asked to form the letters ‘RHS’ on the oval so we could take an aerial photograph. This was done in an orderly and supportive way. ‘I was extremely proud of all of the students and staff. The activity required organisation and cooperation and our students were able to master this within minutes.’ A big thank you to the students who flew the drones on the day.

The Muffin Design Project - Year 8 Food Technology

 On Tuesday 26^th March, Year 8 Food Technology students prepared a batch of muffins as a healthy snack item forming part of their muffin design projects. Their brief was to create muffins for the ‘Star Café’ in pairs.

Students were required to produce muffins that were low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates which would appeal to adolescents between the ages of 12-17 who came from a range of cultural backgrounds. After much research and discussion, students were able to come up with their own muffin recipes which would appeal to the age bracket and meet the set criteria.

Students also needed to take into account the costs involved and the packaging of the product in their assignments.

These are the results of the cooking practical.

Wendy Matulic - Food Tech Teacher

"We made apple and honey muffins. We enjoyed making the muffins" Connor & Tom

"We made apple cinnamon muffins. We learnt what complex carbohydrates are" Kelli & Taj

"We made banana muffins. We enjoyed making the muffins because there was no demonstration and they still worked out. We learnt how to know when the muffins are cooked using a skewer and how to mash a banana" Reece and Jayden S

"We made strawberry banana bread muffins. We enjoyed making the muffins because we got to work independently. We also enjoyed eating them, they were yum. We learnt what carbohydrates are as well" Summer and Izabel

"We made vegan and oil free berry muffins. We enjoyed working together and being independent without help. We learnt how to fold berry into the muffin mixture and how to add extra wet ingredients if the mixture is too dry" Demi & Breea

"We made lemon yoghurt muffins with a lemon glaze. We enjoyed working together, making the glaze and tasting them. We learnt not to over mix the ingredients so the muffins don’t go hard when cooked, how to check if the muffins are cooked and what a simple carbohydrate is" Murphy & Jaxon

 "We made orange sunshine muffins. This was probably the most fun lesson we’ve had" Alan & Cooper

 "We made sweet potato muffins. I enjoyed working with Jayden G. I didn’t know you could put sweet potato in muffins"  Lachlan

Murray’s recent dominance has come to an end with Chaffey taking the honours at the recent 2019 Renmark High School Sports Day. Chaffey continued to build on the historic swimming carnival defeat and look to be building a strong team for the years to come. They were also successful in winning the Most Improved Shield (Handicap) while Murray took out the Ball Games Shield.

All team captains have worked tirelessly after school and during lunch with their teams to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate for their house. Challenges were organised to assist the captains in the selection of each team.

Two records were broken in 2019 with many others challenged some results indicating they may be broken at future events (Interschool and School Sport SA).

Bailey White broke the U13 800m record set in 1987 and the U14 1500m record set in 1996. Meanwhile Mr Lindner was getting nervous as his high jump record of 1.93m was nearly broken by Dion Brauer who achieved 1.90m.

It was a very successful day with many students engaging in the events, ball games or simply supporting their friends and house. It was also pleasing to see the amount of support by families and other community members to the students on the day.

Special thanks to all of the RHS staff, Pammy Main and the SRC for the BBQ, Rob Johnston and anyone else who assisted in the lead-up to the event and on the day.

Thank you also to our valued sponsors BusBiz, Emmetts, Arrosto, Renmark Club and Renmark Hotel.

Thank you to all families who have paid or made contact with our Finance Officer, and submitted their applications for School Card.

Prompt payment of school charges ensures that all parents accept their share of the responsibility for the education of their students.

At times, families have difficulty meeting their financial obligations. Should this be the case, please do not hesitate to contact Sonja Modlinski, RHS Finance Officer and she will assist you in setting up a payment plan to avoid inevitable referral to the Debt Recovery Unit as required by Department processes.

Please be aware that if no prior arrangements have been put in place, unpaid monies can be forwarded to the Department Recovery Unit at the conclusion of Term 1.

Options for Payment

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard or by Direct Bank Deposit (see details below) Students are to make payments prior to the start of the school day 8.40am or at recess time 10.40am-11.00am. Parents/caregivers may make payments anytime from 8.15am to 1.30pm

School Card Scheme

If you think you may be eligible for School Card please go online to: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme

Should you require a hard copy application, please see our Finance Officer at Reception